Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has said his resignation from office does not amount to an admission of guilt.

Nnaji resigned on Tuesday following controversy surrounding his academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates. His degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State, and his NYSC discharge certificate have been subjects of public scrutiny.

Although he insists that he graduated from UNN in 1975, reports have suggested that the university could not verify his academic records.

In a statement issued on Tuesday night, Nnaji said his decision to step down “did not come lightly.”

“My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice — not an admission of guilt, but a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just,” he stated.

The former minister alleged that the certificate scandal was politically motivated and orchestrated by his opponents.

“Over the past week, an orchestrated and sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated and malicious attacks has been waged against my person, integrity and office across print, electronic and social media platforms,” he said.

According to him, the allegations had not only caused him personal distress but also begun to distract from the vital work of the ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Nnaji expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and pledged continued loyalty to his administration.

“I remain deeply grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence he reposed in me and for the privilege to serve in his cabinet. His vision for a renewed, innovative and technologically driven Nigeria is one I continue to hold dear, and I pledge my unflinching support to his administration and its transformative goals,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has accepted Nnaji’s resignation. In a statement issued by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, the President thanked the former minister for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours.

Nnaji was appointed Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology by President Tinubu in August 2023.